Yachting Monthly (2004) reported the loss of a New Zealand vessel apparently due to a problem with the SPADE anchors shank bolt. How do you explain this?
The New Zealand authorities investigated the case in order to prevent a similar case occurring. Based on the account of the skipper, they concluded that they only possible explanation was that the nut somehow unscrewed itself and the bolt somehow dropped out. They offered no explanation of how a nut specifically designed not to come undone could do so without any forces acting upon it. They recommended a simple modification to the bolt to eliminate any possibility of the situation reoccurring. Despite doubts about the case Spade followed this advice. During the investigation, no doubts were expressed about the general performance or design of the SPADE. No similar cases have ever been reported despite thousands of anchors sold. This was a new anchor in calm conditions and in our opinion it is extremely unlikely that the nut did unscrew itself from tight as described. For more information please click here.
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